Question / Help Looking for opinions on a mic

[iNERTiA2020]

Hey ladies and gents, first time poster here but i have used this site for quite a while.

Its been a dream of mine to get into streaming for the past 5 years and i was just recently able to quit my job to give this a shot.

My one issue with all the setup ive been looking into is a mic. Im honestly torn right now. I live with my parents however and they are cool with leaving me to my thing. My only worry is that every night when theyre home from work they watch TV or listen to music in the room right next to the office (where i am).

The room is actually well insulated, but i can certainly hear undiscernable dialogue going on all afternoon. Also dont suggest i switch rooms cuz this is the only room in the house this will work in.

So what i would like to get is a blue yeti n the works of course.. But would this actually be a bad idea with the information ive given? Would getting a good pair of headsets like the astro A40's be better for picking up less background noise?

 

[FerretBomb]

Good luck man, you're going to need it. I'm considered moderately successful, and I make significantly less than I would at a part-time minimum wage job, while working close to 80 hours a week on the stream. Plus still have a fulltime day job on top of it.

A headset mic is going to be the best option to isolate your voice. Large-capsule mics are the current fad on Twitch, but are not designed for use in a noisy setting (eg: outside of a noise-controlled, studio-type setup). I've got an AT2035, and can't use it while casting... it's too sensitive. Great for doing voiceover work though.
A headset will give you consistent audio response and allow you to eliminate a lot of ambient noise just by running it at a lower gain. If your hat size is smaller than a 23, take a look at a Shure SM35. If you have a big head like me, options are slimmer... the Radio Shack 33-3012 is the only one I've found that's comfortable over long duration wear, but its build quality is questionable, and needs EQ'ing to fix the bass-heavy response.

Gaming headsets are mostly sold on hype and looks. (Kind of how Beats are all style and shit parts.) If you want something quality, look at a set of Sennheiser headphones. Expensive, but worth it.

 

[iNERTiA2020]

Wow did i actually just get a response from ferretbomb? Love the stream man you do great work.

Honestly im a bit surprised hearing the money issues coming from you, ive noticed you grow in popularity quite a bit. Was stoked to start seeing you on the front page.

But yes, i definitely do understand what im getting into. Without giving details my family situation has been fortunate most my life, and ive got them supporting me 100% no matter what way this goes. Ive been studying this for years and this is something that i gotta do or ill have regrets about it later. I appreciate the sentiment though.

Back on topic, whats funny is i have been using a pair of Sennheiser 558 headphones. My original plan was to stream using that and a clip on Zalman mic. However, thats obviously not going to work with my situation (dont know why i thought it would.)

What i will say though is that Sennheiser make great headphones.

I am a bit confused though, you say gaming headsets should mostly be avoided but you do recommend Sennheiser. I looked up Sennheiser headsets on amazon and i get gaming headsets like:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008O...er+headset&dpPl=1&dpID=4113MvesonL&ref=plSrch

Would those be something you recommend? I will mostly be playing my PS4 but i would like to leave open the possibily of other systems as well.. And PC games of course.

Thanks for the response FB! If im home when you're on ill probably just jump in your stream and chat with you. Good luck out there brotha!

 

[iNERTiA2020]

Oh nevermind i see what you are saying headset vs gaming headset wise. You know something im afraid of while streaming with a gaming headset is me readjusting my glasses constantly. With over ear muffs wont people be hearing that rubbing noise? Im guessing this is why you brought that up haha.

 

[FerretBomb]

Thanks much, man! Glad to hear it. :) Yeah, until you're into the four-digit viewer range (and remember to run ads, and get lots of subs) it's not really fiscally viable to stream full-time without other support. And yep, Twitch has been quite kind as far as that front page love. :)
Go for it man, just be aware that the reality is pretty tough. Getting partnered is just the first step in a very long road.

Sennheiser are a quality audio company first, is the big difference. Astro, Steelseries, HyperX, Razer, even Logitech and Turtle Beach to an extent more focus on the 'gaming' hype, putting a focus on looks and cool-factor over quality.

If you plan to play on PS4 and want to include party-chat, Elgato just came out with a new cable to allow it to be captured.

I haven't had any problem with circumaural headsets; I don't wear my Everglides often though on-stream, as after a few hours even fairly light cans get heavy and hot. One reason open-stage headphones are somewhat popular; they breathe nicely and tend not to be as heavy.